In response to state wide welfare concerns regarding the amount of unwanted cats/dogs, in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Feral and Nuisance Animals Act 1994, Councils has resolved that:

As from the 1 September 2008 Frankston City Council will require dogs/cats registered for the first time in Frankston must be desexed. (Proof will be required)

Exemptions do apply and are as follows:

• A dog/cat that is the subject of written Veterinary advice that the health of the dog/cat is liable to be significantly prejudiced if it is desexed
• A Dangerous Dog that is kept for guarding non residential premises
• A Dangerous Dog that has under gone protection training
• A dog/cat that is owned by a person or body that conducts a domestic animal business registered with Council. Where the dog/cat is used for breeding purposes in connection with that business. (Frankston does not have any registered breeding establishments)
• A dog or cat that is owned by a person who is a current member of an applicable organisation and the animal is registered with that organisation (proof must be provided of both owners and dog/cat membership at the time of registration)

Applicable organisation are as follows:

• Feline Control Council (Victoria) Inc
• Dogs Victoria formerly known as The Victorian Canine Association
• The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
• The Cat Authority of Victoria
• The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Association

These organisations are determined by the State Minister of Agriculture and have a code of ethics that requires responsible pet ownership.

Council does participate in the desexing scheme and can provide a list of local vets to eligible applicants. (pension and health care card recipients). In addition, Council has details of all Animal Welfare Organisations regarding their desexing service. Please contact Local Laws on 1300 322 322 for further details.